ALCOHOL-RELATED deaths in Warwickshire are at their highest since records began.
Public Health England revealed the number of death rose to 259 in 2018 – up 36 on the previous year. The figure has risen steadily over the last four years.
Addiction treatment firm UKAT, which compiled the figures, described the trend as ‘worrying’.
UKAT’s group treatment lead, Nuno Albuquerque, said: “December is notoriously a month for some to over-indulge, and alcohol becomes more and more prevalent and difficult to avoid with Christmas and New Year celebrations.
“People tend to drink to excess at this time of year, reaching and exceeding their normal limit with alcohol. But binge-drinking is extremely dangerous because it can cause real short and long term health problems and can even cause death.”
He explained binge drinking was defined as men consuming five or more drinks within around two hours and for women, four or more drinks within the same time period.
Nuno continued: “Binge drinking has an immediate effect on your coordination and judgement, but it also leads to dangerous long-term problems with your heart, lungs, liver and kidneys. Binge-drinking also increases the body’s tolerance to alcohol, and so the amount consumed each time increases.
“This can lead to the person becoming alcohol dependent, and as the recent figures from Public Health England have revealed, the number of people in Warwickshire dying because of alcohol related conditions rises. This is an extremely concerning trend.
“It’s important to remember that these aren’t just numbers – they’re someone’s mother, father, child or friend they won’t get to enjoy this time of year with.
“We encourage everyone in Warwickshire to be safe with alcohol and to seek professional support if they’re struggling.”
Visit http://bit.ly/2PJdlwo for confidential help and support with alcohol, or to find treatment services in Warwickshire.
A binge drinking warning has been issued as alcohol-related deaths continue to rise in Warwickshire.
